Carnation plant named CFPC Contrast

ABSTRACT

A new and unusual carnation of pink flush coloration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carnation varieties producing flowers of many different colors are wellknown. However, it is desirable to provide a new standard variety ofcarnation producing flowers having pink flush coloration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety ofcoloration plant which was originated by me in a controlled breedingprogram by my crossing as seed parent, the variety known as `YasminaBarsemi` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,533) and as pollen parent, a numberedbut unnamed and unpatented seedling of my creation. The varietaldenomination of this new carnation is `CFPC Contrast`.

Among the novel characteristics possessed by the new variety whichdistinguishes it from its parents and all other varieties of which I amaware is the unusual pink flush or pink "frosted" flower coloring in astandard. Flowers of the new variety have early uniform response,excellent vase-life and are resistant to botrytis.

Asexual reproduction by propagation by side shoot cuttings of the newvariety as performed in Fremont and Salinas, Calif., shows that theforegoing and other distinguishing characteristics come true to form andare established and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATION

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety in different stages of development(tight bud, partially opened bud and full bloom), depicted in color asnearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in a colorillustration of this character.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new variety, CFPC Contrast, produces flowers which are resistant tobotrytis and are long lasting after cutting. It has been determined thatits vase-life averages 21-days. The new variety also has a strong calyxwith very little splitting. Therefore, taping or banding is notnecessary. CFPC Contrast also exhibits early uniform response which,together with its attractive pink flush coloring and the othercharacteristics heretofore and hereinafter described, make it especiallysuitable for commercial cut flower production.

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society ColorChart (RHSCC). The terminology used in the color description hereinrefers to plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart. Colordesignations and color descriptions may deviate slightly from the statedvalues from flowering-to-flowering but the deviations will be within therange expected from varying environmental, seasonal and culturalconditions.

The information provided herein is based on observations of plants growninside commercial greenhouses at Fremont, Calif. The height of plant andflower and foliage size are established as an average using standardcommercial cultural practices.

Name: CFPC Contrast.

Classification:

Botanical.--Dianthus caryophyllus.

Commercial.--Carnation, standard disbud type.

Parentage:

Female parent.--`Yasmina Barsemi`.

Male parent.--Unnamed seedling (No. 0095).

Plant:

Height.--About 44 inches.

Growing habit.--Herbaceous, semi-upright.

Blooming habit.--Terminal as a disbud.

Blooming season.--Continuous.

Rooting time.--17-20 days.

Mutation prone.--No.

Disease resistance.--Unknown.

Temperature tolerance.--Typical for carnation.

Foliage:

Color.--Upper side: Near to 137A. Lower side: Near to 137A.

Size.--About 63/4 inches long, about 1/2-inch wide at base of plant.

Quantity.--Numerous.

Shape.--Elongated, curled.

Texture.--Smooth.

Ribs.--Prominent central keel.

Arrangement.--Bi-lateral along stem.

Bloom:

Form.--Circular, high.

Shape.--Crown coarsely serrated at petal edge.

Size.--Diameter average: About 31/4 inches. Depth average: About 21/4inches.

Borne.--Terminal as disbudded.

Color.--General tonality: Dark pink with white border. Upper side: Nearto from 53C to red purple 66D (faded). Lower side: Near to from 55B tored purple 68C. Center: Near to 53C. Outer petals: Whiter than 155D.

Permanence.--Yes.

Keeping habit.--Excellent.

Fragrance.--Slight.

Petals:

Number.--About 38-40.

Outer petals.--Length: About 21/4 inches. Width: About 15/8 inches.

Texture.--Smooth.

Form.--Fan shaped.

Reproduction organs: Not visible in this variety.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of carnation plant, substantiallyas shown and described, characterized particularly by flowers ofattractive pink flush coloration.